Post-Denominational Judaism
Rabbi Janet is not accepting new students currently.
Conversion requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Required (Approved certification of the procedure is also acceptable.)
Mikveh: Required (The American Jewish University in Los Angeles, Calif.)
Bet Din: Required (Rabbis)
Conversion Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
Students Accepted: Mitzvah, Chai
I am also able to coordinate with a rabbi in the student’s geographical area. Mikveh must be done in person; it cannot be virtual; however, I am willing to consider alternatives if mikvaot are not available.
Conversion requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Required (No change)
Mikveh: Required (No change)
Bet Din: Required (Virtual bet din via video conferencing is acceptable.)
I am happy to work with
Families with children: There is a profound sacredness when parents and children convert together. If there is a conversion of a minor child in addition to the conversion of an adult, both parents/guardians must state in writing that they support the child’s conversion and will provide the child with a Jewish education and environment.
LGBTQ+ candidates: I work with and welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Interfaith or dual-faith relationships: Spiritual journeys are unique to every person – and they can get complicated. I want to provide support for those who are on the path to conversion while also providing support for existing relationships and family structures. If the partners are legally married, the partner (whether other-than-Jewish or Jewish) must meet with me during the study/discernment period. By the time of conversion, the spouse must state in writing that there are no objections to the conversion and that they will contribute to the establishment of a Jewish home.
As a member of a multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-faith, and gay-straight family, I am delighted to work with all kinds of individuals and families.
Personal statement
When I was 12 years old, I took an aptitude test that showed that the career for which I was best suited was clergy; the second best was teacher. But at the time, there were no female clergy. I did the second-best thing: I earned a PhD and became a college professor. Times changed. Life happened. And I wanted deeper connections with God and with human beings. I applied to The Academy for Jewish Religion-California’s fully accredited, pluralistic, egalitarian and trans-denominational rabbinical school. I studied with Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Renewal, Reconstructionist and Humanist rabbis, cantors, lay teachers, and students. I was ordained by a Modern Orthodox rabbi, a Renewal rabbi, and a Reform rabbi; my sponsor was a Conservative rabbi. I am trained in and attuned to the full spectrum of Jewish practices. So, when people ask me what kind of a rabbi I am, my answer is simple and heartfelt: “A good one, I hope.”
I am a member of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California and a Governor of the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din, the world’s only trans-denominational Bet Din. I have served as a congregational rabbi, a hospice rabbi, and a hospital rabbi. I find joy in writing and officiating at creative, soulful rituals. As a certified Jewish Spiritual Director, I bring the principles of Spiritual Direction into my work with those who are on the journey to Judaism. It is my deep joy and great honor to accompany individuals who are on the holy journey to becoming a Jew.
Education
The Academy for Jewish Religion California
Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination)
The Academy for Jewish Religion California
Master, Rabbinic Studies
The National University of Ireland
Doctor of Philosophy, English Language and Literature/Letters
Gamliel Institute
Jewish End of Life
Yeshiva University
Clinical Pastoral Education
Yeshiva University
Rabbinic Certificate, Gerontology and Palliative Care
Kol Zimra
Sacred Chant
Rising Tide
Certified Mikveh Guide
Yedidya
Certified Spiritual Director
